Thursday, June 30, 2011

I'm not finished this one but I like the way it's coming together. My gallery wanted this size for the lobby of the hotel in Whistler, and wanted one similar to 'Rawson Vista' link. I have a few details to work out and a couple of touch ups but it won't change too much from this. I doubt you'd actually see this view as I used three different photos taking what I wanted from each.

I attempted three plein air paintings in the past few days and this one was the best of the bunch, although they all need some studio work. I wanted to paint the same location at Lloyd Park as another painting I had done, only larger. The scene was completely different! The colors were cooler, the weather was hot and there was a ton of green.My acrylics did not react well in these elements! Might be tempted to try oils for this plein air stuff! It was sure nice to get out of my basement studio though, and take advantage of the beautiful weather and soak up some vitamin D.

Back in my studio I'm working on my largest canvas to date and should have it finished shortly.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

I used a few photo's and my imagination for this experiment.( a little Michael O'Toole influence?) I like most of what is going on here...but I still need to touch up and add some details...without overworking it! The overall feel is good.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Two more attempts at pleinair, without the palette knife. Ingrid Christensen was kind enough to let me tag along with her Tues class as she took them to Carburn Park in Riverbend, Calgary. One great thing about pleinair painting is I get to discover places right in or near the city, I didn't even know existed! I still find it somewhat awkward and my paintings are so different than my studio work! But I enjoy it very much and it's nice to step away from my basement studio and enjoy the fresh air. I like these two but I can now see they some touch ups.

Monday, June 13, 2011

This is a large 4 x5 foot acrylic painting looking out towards mt Athabasca. I'd like to thank Debra Garside for the use of her photo as reference. I still have some touching up to to with some highlights and details.

Monday, June 6, 2011

It was a gorgeous day for plein air painting. There were waterfalls galore and the weather was perfect...my paintings were not. I attempted three paintings, all of the same waterfall and all from the same spot. One I did with colored gel added with a palette knife and a brush after it dried (above) 16x16, one with a palette knife, no gel and a bit of dry brushing and one with a brush only. I wasn't happy with any of the results so I worked on them in my studio. So I guess they can't be classified as 'Plein -air'. I'm much happier with them now. I love the abstract qualities of this one and the subdued color. Please click on the image to see the larger view.

I found it interesting how much I analyze and think and so aware of my surroundings while experiencing the elements and how frustrating and lost I felt at times. In my studio I have no distractions and I tend not to think too much and just let the painting go ...no rhyme or reason...I just have to like it. In my studio I do all my thinking, sketches, and visualizing long before I start my painting. With Plein Air I can't..or don't . I'm sure it will come easier with practice and I do love being outside!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Here are my two attempts at plein air painting today before I take them in the studio to touch up. It didn't start out such a great morning as I laboured in my winter boots, coat, mitts and ear muffs but I ended the day in with a sun visor and short sleeves...go figure. That's our Alberta weather for you. It was fun painting with the girls. Sharon Williams is giving a workshop today and tomorrow on plein air painting...certainly a different kettle of fish ( does that make sense?) than what I'm used to. No palette knife...brush only... again a little different for me. I'm so used to thick paint and I'm surprised how little I actually use with a brush.Calling for sunshine tomorrow!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

I was in jasper recently and loved Pyramid mountain, with its peachy salmon highlights...you could see it from everywhere, Pyramid lake, Edith lake, Patrica Lake etc..this particular painting was from a roadside marsh but I changed it to a fall scene...still some touch-ups left to do though, and I'm not done with this mountain yet!